To the editor: For those people who cannot get to Washington, D.C. for the inaugural celebrations for President Obama’s second term, the Farmington Democratic Committee is sponsoring an Inaugural Ball to be held on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, also known as the Operation Center at 531 Main Street in Farmington.

Tickets will be $10 at the door. Hor d’oeuvres and sparkling ciders will be served. There will also be a raffle with the first prize being a romantic overnight stay at the Governor’s Inn in Rochester, including breakfast.

Music will be provided by Pat O’Brien and there will also be a disc jockey. People are invited to come and help us celebrate.

Emmanuel Krasner

Chairman

Farmington Democratic Committee

Touching photo

To the editor: A photograph in Friday, Jan. 4, Fosters really touched me. It was a picture of retiring police dog Fina and the new police dog Phlirt with officer Mackenzie.

While he was holding Phlirt with his right arm, his left hand was patting Fina and she was looking up at her old partner with the most adoring eyes I have ever seen on an animal. I bet no two partner ever got along as well.

I wish Fina luck in the U.S. Police Canine Associations National Case of the year award, however, she has already proven she’s a winner to Rochester Police Dept.

I wish Fina a happy retirement with the Mackenzie family. I think that picture should hang in the R.P.D.’s wall.

Lillian Deely

Rochester

Reconsider

To the editor; Perhaps, in light of yesterday’s home invasion and attack on a homeowner, the people of Lebanon will reconsider the wisdom of having 24-hour police coverage. Several years ago someone from Hampton broke into our vehicle and stole several hundred dollars worth of softball equipment. When the person was apprehended, the police asked what he was doing in Lebanon. He answered “ you don’t have cops”. Enough is enough. This poor fellow was coming to his home, his safe place, to have lunch. Unacceptable. And if you think our town can’t afford it, I suggest people look at the school budget and the outrageous amount of money being paid to the administrators. Take a peek at where and how our tax dollars are being spent. It’s disgusting. Time for change. We don’t need a “police force”, cruisers, the whole package, nor could the town afford it. But we can have a contract with York County or the state police to have a deputy or trooper cover 24/7. I sincerely hope this gentleman recovers quickly. And I hope residents wake up and demand a change. It could have been any one of us. Think about it.

Sarah Barrows

Lebanon Maine

Getting started

To the editor: I don’t know about you but I expected more in the “Fiscal Cliff” debates and more from our Congress than we got. I expected the House and Senate to show some intestinal fortitude and stop the madness that seems to have infected the august body.

I know that politics is about compromise but the American people got nothing in return for the full scale roll over and play dead negotiation that took place. Since when is it OK to spend money you do not have? Since when is OK to continue to run up the charge accounts when you have no means to pay the bill? If this was your household budget you would be evicted from your home and possibly be subject to legal action if you were as irresponsible as our Congressional representatives have been. The House has tried to curtail spending but to no avail.

The Senate has not even brought a budget bill properly generated in the house to the floor to be voted on. That is solely the responsibility of Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader. He sets the agenda for the body. Now I don’t know where he gets the audacity to ignore the spending bills that might have some effect on our fiscal problems. Raising the debt ceiling is not an answer. Continuing to spend money we do not have is not an answer. Reducing the spending is the only way to correct the problem. I know we have many people who will be hurt in the process and that should not be, but it is recognized as fact. We can start the spending cuts with the salary of the Congress and Obama’s Tsars.

Gary Parker

Rochester

Disgusting

To the editor: RE barrington gravel pit.

I would just like to know how you sleep at night. Do you have visions of how you going to spend all that money or do you think about all the people that will be affected by this disgusting project just wondering.